Cloud Forest

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Cloud Forest
Photo Information
Copyright: Chris Chafer (sandpiper2) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1595 W: 107 N: 3346] (10814)
Genre: Landscapes
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-12-15
Categories: Rain Forest
Camera: Canon Powershot S3 IS, Digital ISO 200
Exposure: f/3.5, 1/60 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): My trip to Belize and Costa Rica [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2008-03-31 2:15
Viewed: 1173
Points: 22
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
The Santa Elena Cloud Forest

We spent several days in the cloud forests of Monteverde and saw an amazing variety of birds, mammals and insects; not many amphibians though. As you can perhaps imagine, photography in such a moist place is very difficult. So today I present this early morning shot of the dimly lit forest that is typical of what you find in this area.

Some basic facts about cloud forest
A cloud forest is a highland forest characterized by nearly 100% humidity throughout the year. In the Reserve Santa Elena of Monteverde, warm North-Easterly trade winds, filled with moisture, blow in over the Atlantic. As the winds sweep up to the Continental divide, they cool and condense to form clouds, bathing the forest in a constant soft mist. The cloud forest here receives an incredible four meters of rain every year- that is almost twelve feet.

• Because cloud forests are found in the mountains, they are much cooler than the hot tropical rainforests most people are familiar with.
• Cloud forest hosts huge numbers of plants and animals; the cloud forests of Monteverde, Costa Rica, host 425 bird species and more varieties of insects than anyone knows!
• Cloud forests are loaded with epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants) because the clouds keep the forest canopy, high above the ground, almost constantly moist.
• Cloud forests play an extremely important role in the hydrology of certain regions of the planet; they capture, store, and filter water that feeds into local communities and large rivers hundreds of miles away.
• Global warming may pose a great threat to cloud forests worldwide, because it could cause these forests to become warmer and drier.
• Hummingbirds and bats are very important pollinators for many cloud forest plants.
• Quinine, a medicine used to treat Malaria, is extracted from the bark of a cloud forest tree; there may be additional cures for diseases that have not yet been discovered.
• Recently, cloud forest amphibian populations have been declining drastically. Scientists are working to find out why.
• Cloud forests are essential for the survival of species such as Resplendent Quetzals and Three-wattled Bellbirds.

Info from

www.monteverdeinfo.com/reserve.htm www.cloudforestalive.org
vmukherjee, ramthakur, vanderschelden, goldyrs, SkyF, gondox, Luis52, SelenE has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Beautiful shot! Good composition. You have captured the sunrays really well.

Hello Chris,

Very good picture of this forest. Beautiful light with the sunrays. Very good POV, DOF and sharpness. Beautiful vegetal world.
Cheers,
Mariki

First I read your description of the Cloud forest and then I looked at your picture critically, Chris.
You have captured the essence of what you say in the note.
It is an amazing environment with such dark green and thick vegetation on the ground. The sunlight passing through the haze has been well captured and adds to the ambience of such a forest.
This has been an educating experience and I thank you for it.
Ram

This IS the jungle, Chris:-)
Well done
TFS
Annick

Chris,
You've done a very beautiful job of presenting us with this lovely composition!I've tried something similar, as well, if you've seen my work..
Very well done!
Cheers!
Goldy

  • Great 
  • SkyF Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2447 W: 207 N: 2035] (8113)
  • [2008-03-31 5:57]

Hi Chris,
you captured the essence of the cloud forest perfectly. One really gets a feel for the humid lushes place. The ray coming through the trees gives this shot that mystical feel, just the way you feel walking the first time into the rainforest.
Beautiful composition.
Sky

Hi Chris!

Amazing phenomenon, it was very interesting to read as I never heard of cloud forests. I bet it really is a hard job to capture but you managed very well, not just showing us what the forest is like but giving it some wonderful extra with the sun shining through composed in perfectly! It look beautiful, TFS!

Best regards,
Andor

  • Great 
  • PaulH Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 980 W: 17 N: 2551] (9412)
  • [2008-03-31 7:32]

Hi Chris,
very impressive exposure here mate, the light shafts and detail are very impressive. Being surrounded by so much life must have been an amazing experience.
tfs
Paul

Hi Chris.
This is a great image My friend, but let me tell You that I have learn a lot from Your excellent note. We must take a very good care about those places NOW
Saludos
Luis52.

  • Great 
  • SelenE Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2334 W: 59 N: 4107] (13392)
  • [2008-03-31 12:09]

Hi Chris,
Moody and a beautiful photo from the cloudforest. Exposure is very well handled. I liked the light, colors, details and the composition. TFS
Best wishes,
Selen

  • Great 
  • Adanac Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1029 W: 1 N: 3926] (13248)
  • [2008-03-31 19:52]

Hello Chris,
I can almost smell the moisture on the plants and trees.
Excellent image with the light beams in the clous. Incredible work Chris, thanks.
Rick

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